1. Best for Wound Healing
This shake is great for an on-the-go snack.
This shake is specifically designed for people with diabetes to help manage carbohydrate intake and boost protein. “With only 150 calories, this particular shake is perfect for an on-the-go snack, but it should not be used to replace an entire meal,” says Cipullo.
Calories: 150 | Carbohydrates: 7 grams (g) | Protein: 30 g
2. Best Plant-Based
Although this shake is a bit pricier, you get more value from it. You can mix it with water, milk, or milk alternatives.
For those seeking a plant-based protein, this is a great option. It’s made from a blend of pumpkin, brown rice protein, and pea protein.
“With 15 g of protein, 5 g of fiber, and 0 g of added sugar, this shake will provide a fuller feeling than those with less protein and fiber,” says Roger Adams, PhD, a nutrition specialist and the owner of Eatrightfitness in Hudson, Ohio.
Calories: 110 | Carbohydrates: 6 g | Protein: 15 g
3. Best Meal Replacement
This high-calorie shake comes with probiotics to support your gut health.
Ample created this meal replacement shake with carb control in mind. “It has only 2 g of sugar and 25 g of protein, which is designed to slow sugar release into the bloodstream,” Avena says. It has a higher calorie content than others, so it’s essential to keep that in mind when factoring it into your overall daily intake.
Calories: 400 | Carbohydrates: 11 g | Protein: 25 g
4. Best Gluten-Free
This shake is gluten-free and full of fiber to help manage your blood sugar.
The Atkins brand has long been recognized for its commitment to creating low-carb, high-protein meal replacement shakes and bars.
With 8 g of carbohydrates and 23 g of protein, this shake has an ideal macronutrient balance, Avena says. “It also contains 4 g of fiber for slower digestion and nutritional benefit,” she says. “Fiber has been shown to help control blood sugar and cholesterol levels in the blood, which can help prevent diabetes complications.”
Calories: 250 | Carbohydrates: 8 g | Protein: 23 g
5. Best Flavor
Splenda Diabetic Nutrition Shake
If you’re looking for a meal replacement shake that delivers a lot of flavor while providing balanced nutrition, this is a great choice. It has more protein than many shakes for fewer calories, but also more carbohydrates than most.
Still, the combination of protein and fats helps manage blood sugar and reduce spikes, says Vandana Sheth, RDN, a certified diabetes care and education specialist in Torrance, California.
Calories: 170 | Carbohydrates: 15 g | Protein: 16 g
6. Best for Heart Health
In addition to containing 20 g of protein, this vegan and gluten-free shake delivers a blend of ingredients rich in omega-3s that can provide heart-healthy benefits, says Sheth.
It also has nine essential amino acids, including branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which can be particularly good for muscle recovery.
This rich protein shake also is an ideal choice for someone following a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Calories: 170 | Carbohydrates: 9 g | Protein: 20 g
